Antenna



Feb. 26, 1952 1. A. GROSS ANTENNA Filed 0d. 15, 1948 INVENTOR. BY IRVING A. 69055 Patented Feb. 26, 1952 ANTENNA Irving A. Gross, Cleveland, Ohio, assignor, by

mesne assignments, to Stewart-Warner Corporation, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Virginia Application October 15, 1948, Serial No. 54,630

3 Claims. (01. 250-33) This invention relates to improvements in antennas and more particularly relates to antennas for highly portable receivers and transmitters known as dipoles.

Heretofore, one of the main disadvantages in portable radio apparatus resided in the fact that the antennas were inconveniently located, were relatively bulky, and were not as efficient as was desired.

By the present invention, I have provided an antenna which may be quickly and easily attached or removed from the transmitter, which can be folded into a very small package, and which is highly efficient.

Briefly, the invention comprises a transmission line, which supports the antenna, and a dipole for the radiator which may be folded against the transmission line while not in use. Because of its construction, it is possible to use the transmitter in such a manner as to polarize the waves in any desired direction.

Still other advantages of the invention, and the invention itself, will become more apparent from the following description of an embodiment thereof, which description is illustrated by the accompanying drawings and forms a part of this specification.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view of my antenna completely folded;

Fig. 2 is a view showing the radiator portions partly unfolded;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged section of one of the joints between the radiator and the transmission line showing the manner in which it may be locked into position.

Fig. 4 is a section on the line 44 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of the antenna in unfolded position;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary end view of the radiator;

Fig. 7 is a view on the line 1--1 of Fig. 6.

Referring to the drawings, throughout which like parts are designated by like reference characters, my antenna comprises a transmission line of rigid construction, to the ends of which are hingedly connected the radiator portions to provide a dipole. The dipole section may be folded up against the transmission line to form a compact package but little larger than a pencil.

As best shown in Fig. l, the transmission line comprises two spaced parallel rectangular cross section metal bars or rods It, held in spaced parallel relation to each other by blocks of insulation material I I. The blocks are held to the rods 2 10 by screws or rivets l2 which extend through the blocks into the rods. Preferably, the blocks are spaced apart longitudinally and are placed on opposite sides of the rods. It will be appreciated that the blocks could be placed between the rods or that in some instances the rods could be molded in a solid piece of dielectric material.

The spacing of the rods is such that in any instance the surge impedance of the line is ohms. This also could be varied as is well known to those versed in the art, since in some instances it may be desirable to have '72 ohms or even 300 ohms impedance in the line. The only thing to be observed is that the lines be held in fixed relation to each other and to maintain a fixed impedance and that they be rigid,

At the lower end of the line, the rods are bent outward in an 8 curve as indicated at l4 and are provided at their extremities with prongs l5 having a shoulder 16. They serve as a plug-in connection for the transmitter, receiver or transceiver with which the antenna is to be used.

At the upper end of the transmission line the radiators 20 are hingedly secured. These radiators are so secured to the end of the line that they maybe unfolded out in opposite directions, normal to the transmission line.

As best shown in Fig. 3, the end of the bar I0 has a pivot pin 2! disposed thereon and held in place by a lock pin 22. For convenience in assembly, thi pin 2| is shown as a screw, the head 23 of which extends from the side of the bar spaced therefrom.

The radiator 20, as best shown in Fig. 6, is provided with an aperture 24 to allow it to be journaled on the pin or screw 2|. This end of the radiator is also provided with a groove 25 crossing the pivot point, adapted to receive a rib 25 on the transmission line ill when the radiator is in extended position,

A spring washer 30 is provided, which washer is interposed between an adjusting nut 33 and the end of the radiator.

The nut 33 allows the tension on the washer to be adjusted to provide the desired ease of operation, while the head 23 on the pin prevents the loss of the parts.

Each of the transmission line bars 10 is provided with a spring clip 40 of L-shaped formation (Fig. 4) secured to the bar by screws or rivets 4|. Each clip is secured to the edge of a bar and then extends parallel to the side of the bar. Each extends in opposite direction as shown in Fig. 4, and the free end of each is provided with a beaded edge 44. These clips engage with the radiators when they are folded down alongside the transmission bars to hold the same in folded position.

In operation, the device is stored in a folded state, as shown in Fig. 1 where it is to be used. It may be plugged into the receiver and the radiators released from engagement with the clips 40 and unfolded as shown in Fig. 2. When the radiators are extended normal to the line bars, they snap into position due to the spring washer 30 engaging in the grooves and are held in this position.

The spring washer construction is a distinct ad vantage because it provides a firm contact of the parts with each other, which parts may be brass, or silver plate; and further, because although the radiators are held in a fixed position with sufllcient tension to prevent them from folding, if the antenna should strike an obstruction, the parts will fold up rather than bend.

It will thus be apparent that I have provided an antenna supported solely by a transmission line and which is foldable. It will also be apparent that because of the stiffness of the parts, thereis l'ess aptitude for changes in transmission characteristics due to bending when the device is moved, and that the transceiver with its antenna may be held with the directors vertical, horizontal or oblique to provide the desired polarization of the waves.

Having thus described my invention, I am aware that numerous and extensive departures may be made therefor without departin from the spirit or scope of my invention.

I claim:

1. An antenna comprising a pair of rods, means for holding said rods in spaced parallel relation to each other to form a transmission line of determined impedance, each of said transmission lines having hingedly secured thereto a radiator section, Said radiator sections forming a dipole radiator, and spring means for locking said radiato'r sections in predetermined positions.

2. An antenna comprising a pair of'stiff bars held in predetermined spaced relation by insulation means to form a transmission line of predetermined impedance, said bars being provided with plug-in terminals at one end, a pin secured in each bar at the other end and a radiator section hingedly disposed on each pin, sprin means for locking said radiator section in predetermined position and means to adjust the tension of said spring means.

3. An antenna comprising a pair of stiff bars held in predetermined spaced relation by insulation means to form a transmission line of predetermined impedance, said bars being provided with plug in terminals at one end, a pin secured in each bar at the other end and a radiator section hingedly disposed on each pin, spring means for locking said radiator section in predetermined position and means to adjust the tension of said spring means, said transmission bars being provided with spring clips, said spring clips being disposed to receive and hold said radiator sections when folded. IRVING A. GRQSS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS OTHER REFERENCES Hi-Gain Television and FM Antennas, July 1948, Channel Master Company. 

